The Fairline Targa 43 2020 vs Fairline Targa 52 2002 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fairline Targa 52 2002 measures 52,5 feet overall (2002), giving it roughly 6,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fairline Targa 43 2020 at 45,7 feet (2020). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 52 2002 tips the scales at 71 650 lbs — 46 050 lbs less than the Fairline Targa 43 2020 at 25 600 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 715 hp, the Fairline Targa 52 2002 has a 235-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 43 2020's 480-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fairline Targa 43 2020 carries 343 gallons versus 48 gallons in the Fairline Targa 52 2002. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fairline Targa 52 2002 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 43 2020 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Targa 52 2002 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Targa 52 2002 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 52,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Targa 43 2020 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 13 that costs less to run day-to-day.